Professional Research Assistant

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS

Professional Research Assistant

School of Medicine – Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Shared Resource Facility

The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment.  We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

Nature of Work

We seek a highly motivated individual to work to solve challenging biomedical questions using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry techniques. Prospective individuals will join a productive team utilizing bioanalytical methods to answer complex questions in health and disease. Working under the direction of the Core Manager and Director, the candidate will assume responsibility for: a) sample preparation and data analysis for mass spectrometry experiments; b) carrying out proteomics analyses for the qualitative and quantitative characterization of complex biological samples (cell cultures and tissues); c) instrumentation quality control; d) communication with collaborators about experimental design and results; e) assisting with preparation of technical reports, publications, and presentations; f) updating computer software as needed. The position requires strong motivation and commitment, analytical skills, attention to details, software & computer capabilities, and an emphasis on communication and interpersonal skills. The position requires the ability to work independently on multiple projects concurrently while maintaining a high level of quality control. Successful candidates will have an opportunity for authorship on original manuscripts based on their work.

Professional Field

Mass Spectrometry Research

Examples of Work Performed:

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

  50% Prepare samples for analysis

• Biomolecule extraction
• Preparation and characterization of internal standard solutions
• Method comparison and optimization  
• Maintenance of technical analytical equipment, including preparing buffers

25% Data acquisition, analysis and validation

•  Acquire and analyze proteomics data
• Prepare report of quantitative findings including statistical analysis
• Maintain laboratory research records of all experiments performed

10% Dissemination of results and assisting in generating publications

• Oral and written presentation of technical results
• Meet with clients (faculty, students, and researchers) to present results of technical analyses

10% General Lab Operations Duties

• Communicate regularly with manager and clients (timely phone/email responses)
• Generate written protocols             
• Maintenance of computers and software
• Ordering laboratory supplies and equipment
• Maintenance of research records, such as data archiving and notebooks

5% Other duties as assigned

Supervision Received:

• The Professional Research Assistant reports to the Kirk Hansen, Associate Professor and Core Director.

Supervision Exercised:

• The Professional Research Assistant will not supervise other employees.

Salary and Benefits: 

The salary range (or hiring range) has been established at $35,600 to $50,000

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services .

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. 

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits .

Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

Diversity and Equity:

Please contact [email protected] for information on disability accommodations

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Minimum Qualifications:  

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in physical or life sciences. Chemistry, biochemistry, or life sciences preferred.

Experience:

• 1 or more years’ experience preparing samples for LC-MS analysis
• 1 or more years’ experience with bench science and analytical instrumentation is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in in physical or life sciences. Chemistry, biochemistry, or life sciences preferred.
• Candidates with a working knowledge of statistical methods.
• Experience with AUC quantification of LC-MS experiments.
• Proficiency with data analysis software is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To be successful in this position, candidates will need the following:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills are required. 
• The ability to independently solve problems and troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation is required
• Experience maintaining good records of research and reporting scientific findings is required.
• Candidate must be proficient with computer operating systems (Windows and/or Mac) and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).